Browns news, features and notes
- Browns notebook: Jimmy Haslam apologizes to fellow NFL owners for federal investigation
- Browns waive quarterback Thaddeus Lewis less than week after signing Brian Hoyer
- Former Boise State linebacker Tommy Smith does not sign with Browns despite agency's announcement
- Report: Browns owner Jimmy Haslam apologizes to NFL peers for federal probe of Pilot Flying J
- Signing 6th-round pick Jamoris Slaughter, waiving fellow free safety Eric Hagg headline Browns’ latest roster moves
- Browns claim undrafted rookie RB Miguel Maysonet off waivers
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Patriots coach Bill Belichick talks up QB Ryan Mallett at NFL owners meeting
New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick talked up backup quarterback Ryan Mallett today at the NFL owners meeting in Phoenix but sidestepped questions about possibly trading him.
Last week, the Boston Herald reported the Browns and Tampa Bay Buccaneers have inquired about trading for Mallett. In December, the Boston Globe tied Mallett to the Browns, and Belichick has a close relationship with new Browns General Manager Mike Lombardi. The Browns have vowed to create competition for incumbent starting quarterback Brandon Weeden, 29, but have yet to add to the position via free agency, which began March 12.
The Patriots picked Mallett, 24, in the third round (No. 74 overall) of the 2011 draft. Stuck behind Tom Brady, he has attempted only four passes in the regular season.
“I think Ryan improved a lot last year,” Belichick said. “I think he really had a good season. I think he was obviously, like every player that came out in the ’11 draft was slowed by the lack of preparation heading into the season [because of the NFL lockout]. But last year, I thought he really performed well.”
What about other teams possibly trying to trade for the 6-foot-6, 245-pound Mallett?
“I couldn’t comment on that,” Belichick said. “I’m glad he plays for our team.”
